Washington said farewell Tuesday, July 28, to the late Sen. Lindsey Graham and celebrated his legacy, first with his flag-draped casket in the Capitol Rotunda, and later, at a funeral service at Washington’s National Cathedral, where President Trump hailed him as “a true American original.”
Trump honored Graham and his journey “from that pool hall where his parents raised him, to the halls of the United States Senate, where he was respected and this son of South Carolina became one of the most important men in the most important country on earth.”
Trump read from James Chapter One, “Scripture tells us, ‘Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial because when he has withstood the test, he will receive the crown of life.'”
Graham was known as a conservative Republican who formed close friendships with Democrats and a former critic of Donald Trump who later became one of the president’s closest congressional allies.
He served 33 years in the Air Force, the Air Force Reserve and the South Carolina Air National Guard, retiring in 2015 as a colonel. He served in the House from 1995 before winning the Senate seat in 2002 that the retiring Strom Thurmond had held. Graham served four terms in the U.S. Senate since 2002, and was running for a fifth when he died.
Something that most people don’t know is that while Graham amassed great influence he did not try to turn that into Wall Street wealth. After three decades in DC, his estimated net worth was $1.48 million. While that may seem to be a lot, it ranked him as only being 295th richest person in Congress. And when compared to others, such as former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, whose net worth is estimated at $255 million, it shows that money was never the driving force behind his service.
His death prompted tributes from Evangelical figures, American politicians and world leaders who had known or worked with him over the years.
Evangelist Franklin Graham, the son of legendary evangelist Billy Graham who is not related to the deceased senator, said, “Lindsey Graham had a strong faith. America has lost a statesman, and he will be hard to replace.”
Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn. remembered Graham as someone who took genuine pleasure in the responsibilities of elected office. She wrote on X that he retained an almost “kid-like exuberance” about his work, even after decades in politics. He brought joy to his job.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu offered a personal tribute. “Israel has lost one of its greatest friends, America has lost a great patriot. I have lost a beloved friend.”
Tony Perkins, president of the Washington-based Christian conservative advocacy organization Family Research Council, referred to Graham’s “steadfast support for the State of Israel” and also called him a “prominent defender of unborn life. Others grew quiet, Lindsey stepped forward and gave his colleagues a way to speak, clearly, courageously, and compassionately about the dignity of every human life. He was also a consistent advocate for persecuted Christians around the world, those who suffer simply because they refuse to deny their faith.”
Graham died shortly after returning from a trip to Ukraine, where he had met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and other officials.
Zelensky wrote on X that he is “deeply saddened” by Graham’s death, calling him a “true defender of freedom and the values that make our world safer.”
“Lindsey Graham was an unwavering pro-life champion and a friend,” said SBA Pro-Life America President Marjorie Dannenfelser, who added, “There will be no replacements for Lindsey Graham. A man of vision and tenacity, he gave wise counsel and advocacy in countless difficult moments fighting for the rights of the unborn child.”
Graham’s niece, Emillie Boggs Roberts, also gave remarks, saying he was “a family man” who always answered her mother’s phone calls, even when he was about to enter important meetings
“Lindsey was always there for all of us,” she said. “He held more than one role for each of us. He wasn’t just an uncle, a brother, a nephew. He was the foundation of our family. But most of all, Lindsey was a Godly man. So, while we grieve our loss here on Earth, I find grace and comfort knowing that he has gone home.”
Graham’s funeral wasn’t just a gathering of presidents, prime ministers and political heavyweights-it became a powerful testimony to the Republican Senator’s Christian faith.
Graham’s pastor, Tim Tate, of Corinth Baptist Church in Seneca, South Carolina, urged those gathered to give their life to Christ in a passionate sermon in which he shared many personal stories of the senator and his family.
According to the pastor, Graham’s message from heaven wouldn’t center on political victories, foreign policy or even his beloved game of golf. Instead, Tate said he believes the senator would issue one final invitation.
“I think he would tell us, ‘Listen, my friends, if you don’t know Jesus, you need to meet Him. I met Him. I have stood at His feet.'”